Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit the holy city of Dwarka today (February 25, 2024), where he officially inaugurated the much-anticipated Sudarshan Setu bridge, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi said. This iconic bridge, also known as the Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge, is poised to transform connectivity and boost tourism in the region. Speaking to ANI, Sanghvi expressed excitement about the Prime Minister’s visit, noting the city’s vibrant decorations in anticipation of the event.
Sudarshan Setu Bridge: Design and Connectivity
The bridge boasts a visually striking design with steel pylons and cables arranged in a fan-like pattern. This aesthetic appeal has garnered nationwide attention, making it a landmark structure in Dwarka. The bridge connects the mainland town of Okha with Beyt Dwarka island, previously accessible only by boat. This direct connection will significantly reduce travel time and enhance accessibility for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Key features:
Bridge Type: Cable-stayed bridge with steel pylons arranged in a fan configuration.
Deck Composition: Composite steel-reinforced concrete.
Width: Total width of 27.2 meters (89 ft), featuring two lanes in each direction and 2.5 meters (8 ft) wide footpaths on both sides.
Solar Panels: Installed atop the footpath shade with a capacity of 1 MW.
Total Length: 2,320 meters (7,612 ft), making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in India.
Spans: Consists of three spans, including a 500-meter-long middle span, the longest in India, and six additional spans with lengths ranging
from 50 to 500 meters.
Approaches: Approach bridges on Okha and Beyt Dwarka sides measure 770 meters and 650 meters respectively.
Pylon Details: Supported by two A-shaped composite pylons standing at a height of 129.985 meters, with a radius of 300 meters leaning in the backspan up to 22 meters from the center of the pylon.
Road Length: The total length of the road connected by the bridge is 2.8 kilometers (9,186 ft).
The construction of the bridge received approval from Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the bridge connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka on October 7, 2017. The project, estimated at a cost of ₹]Rs 962 crore aims to benefit approximately 8,500 residents living on the island and accommodate around two million pilgrims visiting the temples in the area.